September 16, 2026, 10:01 am | Read time: 2 minutes
An autonomous taxi from the ride service Waymo independently alerted the police in San Francisco when it apparently detected a firearm inside. What began as an ordinary ride for two teenagers ended a few minutes later with a police operation.
Why the Taxi Sounded the Alarm
Self-driving cars are supposed to safely transport passengers to their destinations. In the case of a Waymo robotaxi in San Francisco, however, the technology directly led to a police operation. Two teenagers were traveling in the driverless vehicle on the night of September 3 when the system detected a potential danger.
The taxi then autonomously stopped at the roadside and informed the authorities. Shortly thereafter, police officers arrived and, according to a police report, immediately conducted a check. According to Waymo, a firearm was detected inside the vehicle. Since weapons violate the service’s terms of use, the vehicle triggered the alert.
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Officers Find Even More
The check confirmed the suspicion of the Waymo robotaxi. According to investigators, officers found a loaded assault rifle with the teenagers, specifically a so-called “ghost gun,” a firearm without a serial number.
Such weapons are considered particularly problematic in the U.S. because they are often self-assembled and difficult to trace. During the search, authorities also found marijuana and pepper spray. The two minors were arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center. Their names were not released, and the investigation is ongoing.
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Interaction of AI and Cameras
The incident highlights the role of sensors and artificial intelligence in modern robotaxis. Waymo’s vehicles are equipped with multiple interior cameras. They detect rule violations, help locate lost items, and document potential damage.
Additionally, AI systems analyze the footage for unusual or potentially dangerous situations. Waymo does not have employees continuously monitor the camera images. However, if the systems detect indications of crimes or safety risks, the company forwards relevant data to the authorities. In the current case, this interaction of cameras and AI led to what seemed like an ordinary taxi ride resulting in a police operation.